Congress says Chief of Defence Staff can upset civil-military relations

The fresh debate seems to be brewing on the powers of the newly installed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the scope of his office. The government had appointed outgoing Army chief General Bipin Rawat as the first CDS.

The opposition Congress had stated that the CDS would create a new power centre and the office would defeat the very purpose of strategic integration of forces for operational purposes.

Also read: On last day as Army chief, Rawat thanks soldiers for support

Taking the attack forward, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari, in a series of tweets on Tuesday (December 31), expressed his apprehension. He said the appointment was fraught with difficulties and ambiguities and the government had started ‘on a wrong foot.’

With great regret and fullest of responsibility may I say that the Govt has started on a very wrong foot with regard to CDS. Time alone unfortunately will reveal the implications of this decision.

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) December 30, 2019

He wanted to know if the advice of the CDS would override that of the service chiefs. Also, he said, the Principal Military Advisor would be rendered redundant with the appointment.

1/2 of the CDS override the advise of the respective Service Chief’s?
2. Will the CDS as Permanent Chairperson of Joint Chief’s of Staff Committee outrank the three service Chief’s?Would the three Chief’s report to Defense Minister thru Defense Secretary or through CDS now?

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) December 31, 2019

Another question the Congress puts forth is the role of the CDS in relation to the Defence Secretary. The party sought to know if the three service chiefs would report to the Defence Minister through the Defence Secretary or the CDS.

Also read: CDS will need maturity to overcome resistance from Services, bureaucracy

More clarity has also been sought on the mandate of the Department of Military Affairs.

Manish Tewari said in his last tweet that India was moving along a ‘portentous path’ and the appointment of the CDS could affect civil-military relations, which, he says, has been ‘India’s singular success since 1947.’

1/4 Would the CDS overide the Service Chief’s with regard tri Service agencies and organisations
What are the implications of the appointment of a CDS on Civil Military Relations- the equilibrium of which has beenIndia’s singular Success since 1947?Are we down a portentous path?

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) December 31, 2019